Origin
Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D. Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa, also known as "Red Pagoda," is a succulent plant native to South Africa and Namibia, particularly in the Western Cape Province.
Common Names
Aside from "Red Pagoda," Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra also goes by the names "Thick-leaved Crassula" and "Red Horn Tree."
Uses
Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra is often grown as a houseplant due to its unique appearance and easy care. It is also well-suited for container gardening and rock gardens. While it may not have any known medicinal uses, this plant is believed to have air-purifying properties similar to other succulents.
General Appearance
Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra features flattened leaves that overlap to form a tower-like shape. Its leaves are a deep green color with hints of red on the margins and tips, giving the plant a unique and eye-catching appearance. When grown in the right conditions, "Red Pagoda" can reach up to 2 feet tall. Its blooms are small, white, and star-shaped.
Light Requirements
The Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa requires bright, indirect light to grow well. In its natural habitat, it receives bright sunlight and shade intermittently, so a location that receives bright light for at least six hours a day and some shade during the hottest part of the day is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27°C). It can tolerate colder temperatures but needs protection from frost. In contrast, high temperatures can cause leaf drop and growth stunt, so it is essential to avoid exposing the plant to extreme heat.
Soil and Water Requirements
The Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa thrives in well-draining, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that contains equal parts of potting soil, sand, and perlite works well. It is also crucial to ensure good drainage, and the plant should never be left standing in water.
Watering the plant well once a week during the growing season is generally sufficient. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is crucial to let the soil dry out between waterings. During the dormant season, reduce watering frequency to every two to three weeks.
Cultivation Methods:
The Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa plant is a succulent that requires well-draining soil to grow. It's best to use a cactus potting mix that is available at your local gardening store. The plant prefers bright but indirect sunlight, so place it near a window that receives morning or evening sunlight.
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60-75°F (15-24°C). If the temperature falls below 50°F (10°C), it may cause the plant to slow down or stop growing.
Watering Needs:
As a succulent, the Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa plant requires very little watering. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Usually, watering once every week or two is enough for this plant. During hot summer months, it may be necessary to increase watering frequency. Always ensure the water drains out of the pot after watering to prevent root rot.
Fertilization:
The Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa plant does not require frequent fertilization. This plant's slow-growing nature means it doesn't need a lot of nutrients to survive.
However, you can feed the plant with a balanced cactus fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packet and dilute the solution before applying it to the plant.
Pruning:
Pruning the Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa plant is not necessary. However, excessive growth can be trimmed to maintain the plant's shape or reduce its size.
Wait until the plant becomes established before pruning. Use a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Always start by removing dead, damaged, or yellow leaves first.
Ensure to sterilize your shears before and after pruning to prevent the spread of any diseases.
Propagation of Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa
Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa can be propagated through various methods. Some of the common propagation methods are:
Propagation through stem cuttings
The stem cutting method is the most common method used to propagate Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa. This method involves taking a stem cutting of about 5-10 cm in length from an established plant. The cutting should be allowed to dry for a few days until the cut end calluses. The cutting should then be planted in well-draining soil and watered sparingly. The new plant should develop roots within a few weeks.
Propagation through leaf cuttings
Leaf cuttings can also be used to propagate Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa. This method involves taking a leaf cutting from an established plant and allowing it to dry for a few days until the cut end calluses. The leaf cutting should then be planted in well-draining soil and watered sparingly. The new plant should develop roots within a few weeks. This method can take longer than stem cuttings, but it is still an effective way to propagate the plant.
Propagation through division
Crassula setulosa Harv. var. rubra (N.E.Br.) G.D.Rowley x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the offsets or suckers from an established plant and replanting them in their own individual pots. The new plants should be watered sparingly and given a few weeks to establish themselves before being subjected to normal watering schedules.
Disease Management
C. setulosa Harv. var. rubra x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa is a succulent plant that is susceptible to various diseases. Preventive measures and proper cultural practices can help to minimize the incidence and spread of diseases.
Root and Stem Rot: Excessive watering, poor drainage, and the presence of fungal pathogens such as Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora can cause root and stem rot in the plant. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage, avoid over-watering, and remove infected parts immediately to prevent further spread.
Leaf Spot and Blight: Leaf spots may occur as a result of the presence of fungi or bacteria on the leaves. Overhead irrigation and high humidity can encourage the growth and spread of the pathogens. To manage this disease, avoid wetting the foliage during watering, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Viral Diseases: Some viral diseases can affect the plant, such as the Crassula Ovata mosaic virus. Infected plants show mosaic symptoms, and there is no cure for viral infections. Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Various pests can infest C. setulosa Harv. var. rubra x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa. Early detection and prevention are key to controlling pest infestations.
Mealybugs: These pests feed on the sap of the plant and leave behind a white, cottony substance. To manage mealybug infestations, inspect the plant regularly, remove and destroy infested parts, and use insecticides if necessary.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the underside of the leaves and cause discoloration and yellowing of the leaves. Increase humidity levels, remove affected leaves, and apply insecticides to manage spider mite infestations.
Aphids: These small insects also feed on the sap of the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use insecticidal soaps, remove affected leaves, and increase humidity levels to manage aphid infestations.
Overall, proper cultural practices such as sanitation, regular inspection, and proper watering can prevent both pest and disease infestations in C. setulosa Harv. var. rubra x C. setulosa Harv. var. setulosa.
